by philanthropy

There are many ways philanthropy has inspired, transformed, energized, led and advanced UC Davis.

Through the "by philanthropy" initiative, the UC Davis Foundation showcases how donations have touched thousands of people and aspects of life at UC Davis and helped the university solve some of the greatest challenges of our time. Below, you will find stories about UC Davis people, places and things that have benefited from the generosity of donors. There are just a sample of the stories we could tell; share your own using #byphilanthropy.

In 2018, the southern resident killer whale population in the Pacific Northwest’s Salish Sea was at its lowest ever. The world watched in September as an orca named Scarlet, or J50, wasted away and died, leaving just 74 of her kind left. Some wondered if this was “What extinction looks like.”

Shortly after completing her training to become a cardiologist, Amparo Villablanca learned cardiovascular disease was the leading killer of women, with death rates far outpacing those in men—two facts the medical community had yet to fully recognize.

Zeng pursued golf and rigorous academics at UC Davis. Through the Telephone Outreach Program and her internship with the Development and Alumni Relations, she experienced philanthropy like never before.

UC Davis is helping Nguyen achieve her dream by giving her the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research, which she believes has benefitted her greatly. Hometown: Cupertino, Calif. Major: Biological Sciences